Birtamod. In the bustling town of Birtamod, Jhapa, the rhythmic beat of traditional drums and the vibrant hues of ethnic attire marked a significant moment for one of Nepal’s most endangered indigenous groups. The Meche community gathered on Thursday to celebrate Baishagu Bathar, a national festival that has become a rallying cry for the preservation of their vanishing language and culture.
Under the banner “Our Mission for Language, Tradition, Culture, and Equitable Development,” the event served as both a celebration and a diplomatic bridge between Meche populations living across the borders of Nepal and India.
A bridge across borders
The highlight of the festivities was the appearance of 80-year-old legendary singer Sulekha Basumatary, who travelled from Assam, India. In a poignant display of how music transcends geography, Basumatary enthralled the audience by performing in both Assamese and Nepali.
The crowd erupted when she sang the iconic Nepali hit “Kohi Bhanchan Jindagi Karkala Ko Paat,” originally by Kunti Moktan. Her performance underscored a central theme of the day: that while borders may separate the Meche people, their artistic and emotional heritage remains one.
Honoring the trailblazers
The celebration also functioned as a platform to recognise those breaking barriers within the community. Honourable Roshani Meche, a member of the National Assembly, was formally felicitated for her political leadership.
In a move to inspire the younger generation, the organisers also honoured:
- The community’s first-ever medical doctor.
- High-achieving students from SEE and Grade 12 examinations.
- National-level athletes, coaches, and film directors.
A call for state intervention
Despite the festive atmosphere, the underlying message was one of urgency. Resham Gurung, Vice-Chairman of the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities, and Rabindra Prasad Lingden, Chairman of Haldibari Rural Municipality, both stressed that the Meche people are at a critical crossroads.
“The state must pay special attention to the upliftment of the endangered Meche community,” Mr. Gurung told the assembly.
Guests from India, including author Rajan Basumatary and BKWAC executive member Pradip Swargiary, noted that such cultural exchanges between Nepal and Assam are vital for maintaining the “emotional unity” of the tribe.
Cultural identity on display
The Atithi Sadan hall was transformed into a sea of traditional textures as attendees from both nations arrived in their ethnic finery. Traditional dances, passed down through generations, were performed by troupes from both sides of the border.
The event, chaired by Biren Meche, President of Meche Samaj Sibiyari, concluded with a renewed commitment to ensure that the Meche identity does not become a mere footnote in history, but remains a living, breathing part of Nepal’s cultural mosaic.
